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3.4.1 Overview

3.4.1.1Overpayments may be detected as a result of information supplied by a source other than the client.

3.4.1.2This information can be received in the following ways:

  • as a result of data matching exercises (these are covered in more detail in 3.6 below)
  • regular global reviews such as superannuation runs, etc
  • third party compensation claims
  • directly from the third party (e.g. advice of death of a client, income details from an accountant)
  • in response to departmental enquiries; or
  • denunciations (these are covered in more detail in this manual's Section 3.5 Denunciations).

3.4.1.3Advice from a third party is usually in response to a departmental questionnaire or may be provided to the Department at the client's request. Under section 128 VEA, the Department has the authority to request information required in connection with a pensioner's assessment from third parties such as financial institutions, employers, relatives, or any other person. The pensioner's authorisation to release such information is not required and there are penalties for failing to comply with the request or for supplying false or misleading information.

3.4.1.4To comply with the provisions of the Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 (SSAA) concerning disclosure of information to DVA, the Chief Executive Officer of Centrelink, having been delegated powers by the Secretary to the Department of Family and Community Services, issued a certificate under subparagraph 208(1) (b)(i) of the SSAA. The certificate specifies the disclosure of protected information to the Secretary of the Department of Veterans' Affairs, by those employees of Centrelink specified in the certificate. It should be noted that Centrelink will not provide any information outside the areas specified in this certificate. The current certificate of disclosure may be obtained from the CLIK Reference Library.

3.4.1.5Advice from a third party should be carefully compared with existing records to ensure that any discrepancy is detected and acted upon. If a reduction in rate is likely to occur, reassessment action must be taken as soon as possible to minimise any resulting overpayment.